[Fot] Ignition System Preferences?

[Duncan Charlton]

For my Ford 1500-powered Morgan I will use an Advanced Distributors rebuild and continue to use points (points bounce is a non-issue with CDI because it will trigger on the first opening of the points but ignore subsequent openings when they bounce.), but will use a slightly modified CD ignition made by VJ, probably manufactured in the mid-1970s (V.J. Products Model 25B J-15 CDI).  These are about $40 on eBay, plus shipping.  A guy in the Morgan community has tested Pertronix triggering modules and has also tested various CDI’s including Bosch, MSD, Tiger, Delta Mark 10, Speedatron, Permatune, and VJ among others and found surprising weaknesses in some of the big name units.  The inexpensive VJ CDI tested better than any of the others besides the original Hyland ignition unit, on which his father held the patents.  He found that Pertronix is better than points for getting an engine to fire at low cranking rpm but spark energy is significantly less than points at high rpm due to a voltage loss, whereas using points with a CDI can produce 5 or 6 times the energy of the coil even at low battery voltage.  MSD’s CDI does not do well when voltage drops much below 12 volts, which could be an issue for total-loss electrical systems.  When he tested an older MSD unit he found that the advertised voltage, energy storage, duration, etc. did not stack up with his test results.  He found the spark energy weak, presumably a negative effect from putting emphasis on multiple sparks.

He’s reluctant for me to quote him extensively but there is a little bit more info on his website (including him hawking his own CDI design): http://www.capacitordischargeignition.com <http://www.capacitordischargeignition.com/> .  Anyone wanting details of his testing of other brands can contact him (his email address is on his website). 

Duncan Charlton
Elgin, Texas USA



> On Jul 10, 2016, at 1:14 AM, Tony Drews <tony at tonydrews.com> wrote:
> 
> For my TR-4, I'm pretty sure I used Jeff at Advanced Distributors
> http://advanceddistributors.mybisi.com/products/distributors
> 
> After discussion with him, he built a Lucas distributor package that used points and a Bosch blue coil.  He's very specific about the parts used, and while the spark isn't as accurate as the crankfire setup I replaced, I'm extremely happy with it.  Got a spare points plate so it's a quick swap if I have an issue.  Runs to 7k rpm just fine (although I generally shift sooner than that).
> 
> Regards, Tony Drews
> 
> At 09:57 PM 7/7/2016, Joe Guinan wrote:
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>> Back in 2005 or so we had a long discussion of distributor problems; broken mechanical advance tabs, junk condensers, and expensive replacement parts on the Mallory Dual Point units, worn out parts on Lucas units that therefore became ammunition in catapult battles, short life spans and improper phasing for the Pertronix Ignitors, misfires on the MSD units from low battery charging, etc. I think the “123 Ignition” was just being introduced around that time.
>> 
>> So a decade or so later, what have we learned? What’s working well, and what have you given up on? I’m needing to decide which way to go on my Spitfire. I have a couple Mallory DP’s lying about and several different Lucas units I could send off for refurbishing. I’ve looked at the Pertronix with their rev limiter box, and it seems intriguing. I’ve not heard much about the Pertronix or the 123 systems in racing use.  Knowing what you now know – what would you recommend and what would you steer clear of?
>> 
>> The Spitfire will have an 1147 this season, and a 1296 is to be built this next winter. Both will run Kastner A6 cam grinds that I just got back from Ted at TSI. I’d look at 7000 rpm as a limit for now. I’m almost completely inexperienced in regards to working on ignition systems, so I’d like something with a shorter learning curve and a good reputation for reliability.
>> 
>> Joe Guinan
>> Fremont, Nebraska
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